# extortion

/ɛkˈstɔɹʃən/ (US) · /ɛkstˈɔːʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/extortion
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the act of forcing someone to give you money or something else by using threats. It is a crime where the person feels they have no choice but to pay.

For teachers: the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats. Often involves the abuse of authority or the threat of violence or legal action.

## Examples

- The gang was arrested for extortion after threatening local shop owners.
- The corrupt official faced charges of extortion for demanding illegal payments in exchange for building permits.
- While bribery involves a mutual agreement between two parties, extortion is characterized by the use of coercion to compel a victim to surrender their assets against their will.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was guilty of extortion to the company." but "He was guilty of extortion from the company." — The noun typically takes the preposition 'from' to identify the victim or source of the extorted goods.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'from' to indicate the source of the money or property.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.